Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, primarily driven by its industrial sector namely textile, leather, and pharmaceuticals. Textile industries have been a key part of Bangladesh’s economy over the past few decades; the industry currently has an export value of nearly 28 billion USD per year and accounts for about 82% of the country’s total export earnings. It is projected that the annual RMG export value will reach about 50 billion USD by 2021. With rapid advancement, the textile sector is now faced with a growing demand for chemicals. About 70 percent of the chemical demand is met by imports. Due to rising environmental and safety concerns, apparel brands and industries are now restricting the use of hazardous chemicals, and choosing ecofriendly options. This will create a paradigm shift in the use of safer chemicals in the apparel industry, and open new business opportunities for chemical manufacturers and suppliers.

In this study, a comprehensive survey will be conducted to analyze the type and quantities of chemicals consumed in the local textile industries. Local production and export-import data of different chemicals will also be analyzed as part of this study. A database will be developed indicating the type, quantity, origins (import or local production), transportation, storage condition, handling, usages (production or wastewater treatment) and hazard factors of the chemicals consumed in the local textile industries. This database will be highly useful for other relevant studies, such as: chemical safety and management, ZDHC MRSL and WWRSL, and cleaner production (CP). A detailed study will also be conducted to analyze legislations and taxation policies, and propose alternative options to reduce/eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals from textile industry.

Activity 1 will comply with goals 6.a and 12.4 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as the chemical database will offer local industries and chemical suppliers access to information, and will help them building capacity and achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals.